Pressure responsive apparatus for detection or control of ice or for other purposes



Jan. 4, 1944. L. L. CUNNINGHAM PRESSURE RESPONSIVE APPARATUS FOR DETECTION O CONTROL OF ICE OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES Filed June 7, 1941' 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Gtltorneg Jan. 4, 1944. L. L. CUNNINGHAM 4 2,338,574 PRESSURE RESPONSIVE APPARATUS Fon DETECTION 0R I CONTRDL OF ICE OR FOR OTHER PURPOSES Filed June '7, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 v Bnventor, 5W/3 L. a/v/v//YGHAM EQ S Patented Jan. 4, 1944 UNITED STATES APATEN T OFFICE- PRESSURE RESPONSIVE APPARATUS FOR DETECTION OR CONTROL OTHER PURPOSES OF ICE OR FOR Lewis L. Cunningham,l Glendale, Calif.,.assignor to General Controls Co., Glendale, Calif., a corporation of California x applicati@ June. 7, 1941, serial ivo. 397,142

v claims. (o1. 12a-122i therebetween, atA least one of the conduits being subject to stoppage at a given position due to the formation of ice or for any other cause, and.

it is an important object of this/invention to provide an apparatus responsive to the change in pressure differential produced by such stoppage for indicating such a stoppage or for operating control apparatus in response to such stoppage. r

The depositionjof ice on the parts of aircraft y exposed to a moving gas stream depends not only on the temperature of the gas, but also on its humidity and the pressure changes to which it is subjected. Hence, knowledge of the tempera- `ture only of the gas stream at various positions is not necessarily indicative of the deposition of IJice from the gas stream.

Most of the present ice-indicating Iequipment responds only to the temperature; hence the pilot vso is liable to bring -de-icing equipment into use when it is not actually needed. For example, if the air induction system forthe engine shows a low temperature, the pilot, in the interest of safety, will introduce Warm air or some anti-` freeze liquid such as alcohol into the system/even /when no ice is present, with a resultant lowering of engine eiiiciency. On the other hand, the pilot is liable to not bring de-icing equipment into use quicklyenough and find 'that the power of the engine is impaired by ice at a critical time.

A- particular object of this invention is to` provide apparatus responsive/to the actual `deposition deposition of ice on one of the members operates ice-indicating and/or de-icing equipment,

Another object of the invention is Ito provide an improved diaphragm-operated pressure-responsive system.

A further object of the invention is to provide a control system with which a member to be controlled may be moved to any o ne of a number of predetermined positions.

Another and more specific object is to provide an apparatus automatically operable to supply heat tol the air in the induction system of an internal combustion engine when ice is deposited on a member exposed to the flow of air in such an" induction system. Another specific object is to provide an apparatusautomatically operable to supply different amounts of heat to the air in the induction system of an internal combustion engine when ice is deposited on members located.

at respectively different' positions in the induction system and exposed to air flow in such system.

The apparatus of this invention is particularly I t adapted for the detection and control of ice formation and the following description will refer primarily to the use thereof for this purpose.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will either be specically brought out lin the ensuing description or will be apparent therefrom. I

My invention will be. better understood from the ensuing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Y

Fig. 1 is a partly'diagrammatic, partly sectional, elevational view of an ice-indicating apparatus according to my invention;

FigoZ is a partly diagrammatic sectional eleva-J Ational view of an ice-indicating apparatus of the of icelon a member exposed to a moving gas stream, which may be used to give auitable l indication, or to'control the operation of de-icingl equipment such as means for supplying heat or warm air or means for supplying an anti-freezeliquid tothe gas stream.,

Anotherobject of the invention is to provide an apparatus in which the change in pressure difference produced by a gas"stream'between t'wo members exposed to the gas'stream upon the general type shown in Fig. 1,o illustrating one form of my improved pressure-responsive apparatus;

Fig. 3 is a partly sectional elevational view of' f another form of myfice-i'ndicating apparatus, il-

lustrating another form of my pressure-responsive apparatus and my preferred means for obtaining iluid pressures to operate my .pressureresponsive apparatus;

-Fig 4 is -a partly diagrammatic, partly sectional, elvational view of a complete system for applying heat in regulated quantities to the air induction system of an internal combustion system and illustrating'a .control apparatus according to myinvention;

Fig. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of one of the valves o1' Fig. 4, the valve` being shown in closed position;

taken induction conduit of an internal combustion ene gine. The path of gas ow `is indicated bythe arrows A. Extending through the member I for a short distance into the air stream isan orifice member such as a smalltube 2 having an opening 3 therein which communicates through a conduit 5 `with a fluid pressure system 4 comprising a supply of gas such as air under eitherV superatmospheric or subatmospheric pressure.` A suitable pressure-indicating device 1 is connected to the conduit 5 through a T Sand is responsive to pressure change in a portion of the fluid pressure system. y

The choice of pressure at which the fluid pressure source 4 operates `depends upon the range of fluid pressures experienced at the wall 8of the member I during normal operating conditions. For example, if the gas pressure at the'wall 8, i. e., at the opening ,3, is normally superatmospheric, it is preferable to use subatmospheric pressures in the system 4. The gauge 1 would then be chosen to give readings over a range of subatmospheric pressures with a maximum scale reading equal to the pressure of the source 4.

During normal operation with no ice deposited on the wall 8 of the member I and over the opening 3, the gauge 1will indicate a pressure in the system intermediate the' pressures of the fluid pressure source 4 and the pressure at the opening 3 due to the pressure gradient existing along the conduit 5. When ice is deposited on the wall 8 and over the opening 3 of the orifice member,

. the pressure in the conduit 5 forming part of the fluid pressure system will drop to that of the fluid pressure source 4 and the gauge 1 will indicate this pressure. Thus the change in pressure in a portion ofthe uid pressure system indicates the deposition of ice on the member I over the opening 3 which communicates with the uid pressure system. The scale of the gauge 1 may be calibrated to indicate normal and ice conditions as shown.

Referring to Fig. 2, a section of a conduit such, as an air induction conduit in which the gas pressures are normally subatmospheric and never appreciably-superatrnospheriq is indicated at III. The direction of gas flow is indicated by the arrow B. The term gas is meant to include air or mixtures of air and fuel. An orice member, such as a small tube I'I is shown extending through the wall of the conduit I0 for a short distance and has` an opening I2 communicating with the gas in the conduit. A fluid pressure sourceV is indicated at I3 anddnay comprise a source of air or other gas at a substantially con- Y stant superatmospheric pressure..

secured at its circumferential portions between the plates I5 and I6 to divide the casing into two chambers indicated at I8 and I3. The diaphragm I1 is provided with a restricted openirig 2I therethrough, providing restricted communication between the chambers I8 and I9 for reasons that will appear subsequently.

A tubular support member 22 is secured to the -central portion of the'member I6 and extends outwardly therefrom. A pin 23 is slidably mounted in the inner end 'of the member 22 and is' adapted to contact the diaphragm I1 and move longitudinally in response to movement of the diaphragm. The pin 23 is biased toward the diaphragm by compression spring 24 mounted within the member 22 and held therein by means of a screw plug 25 threaded into the upper end of the member 22. The member 25 may be screwed in andout to change the bias on the pin The force of the spring 24 is transmitted to the pin 23 through a spring contact arm 26 which is secured at one end to an insulated block 21 which` is in turn secured to the casing member I6. The arm 26 extends transversely of the support member 22 through slots 26a and 2Gb which allow for limited movement of the member 26 in the longitudinal direction of the member 22.

The diaphragm I1 is' movable in accordance with pressure conditions existing in the chambers I8 and I9 between the full line position and a dot-dash position indicated at I1a. When the diaphragm is in its full line position the contact arm 26 makes connection with a xed contact .28 which may be mounted on the member I6 and suitably insulated therefrom. Movement of the diaphragm I1 to its dot-dash position causes movement through 4the agency of the pin 23, of

ber II maybe placed in uid communication with thel chambers I8 and jIS, respectively, through the agency of conduits 34 and 35, lrespectively.

Under normal conditions, with the'opening'l2 substantially unobstructed, the pressurer differential in the chambers I8 and I9 will force the diaphragm into its dot-dash position indicated at I1a, closing the connection between contacts 26 and 29 and lighting a signal lamp 36 which is connected to the contact 29 through aconductor 31 and to the contact 26 through a conductor 33, a battery 39 and a conductor 4I. The system is so constructed and arranged that the pressure differential between the chambers I8 and. I9 will maintain the diaphragm in its dot-dash position against the pr sure of the spring 24 notwithstandingthe l ss in pressure through the open-- ing 2I in the diaphragm.

Upon the deposition of ice in the conduit I Il as indicated at 42, the opening I2 is closed so that there can be no further gas flow therethrough. The bias of the spring 24 on the pin 23 forces the diaphragm from its dot-dash position toward its full line position. The pressure in the chambers I8 and I9 is equalized by gas bore.

:flow through the opening 2| 'so that the diaphragm may move from its dot-dash position to itsfull line position. In that position the cbntact 26 connects with the fixed contact 28, lighting a signal la'mp 42 which is connected to the contact 28 by ka conductor 43 and to' the contact 26 through the conductor 38, the battery 39 and the conductor 4|. i

.Referring to Fig. 3 a fluid pressure-responsive device somewhat comparable to that illustrated in Fig. 2 is indicated at 5|, and comprises op- /posing casing portions 52'and 53 joined to one l of the casing into a pairof chambers 55 and 56.

A tubular member 51 is shown extending outwardly from the face of the casing member 52 for retaining a compression spring 58. The outer l end of themember 51 is closed by a threaded plug 59 which bears against oneend of the spring 58. The other end of the spring bears against the diaphragm 54 to bias it toward its dot-dash position indicated at 54a.

A tubular supporting member 6| is shown secured to the casing portion 53 and extending outwardly therefrom., A valve member 63 is shown threadedly secured tuo the outer end of the member 6| and provided with longitudinally extending bore 64 terminating in a valve seat 65 at its inner end. Fluid communication between the interior of the member 6| and the valve seat is provided through a small passage 66. A ball 61 is shown in position on the seat 65 closing the passage 66 and held thereon by a compression spring 68 which is held in position in the bore 64| by a plug 69 threaded intol the outer end ofthe The passage 66 communicates with the atmosphere through one or more openings 1|' provided in the member- 6|.v

A structural member 12 such as a Wing surface or an air induction conduit having a surface 13 past which the gas stream moves as indicated by the arrows C, is shown provided with a pair of orifice members 14 and 15, such as small tubes, which are positionedV to be exposed to the gas stream and have openings 16 and 11 therein whichare exposed to the gas ,flow and are spaced from one another in the direction of gas flow.

'The members 14 and 15 are so constructed and positioned that the movement of the gas stream produces a pressure differential between the openings 16 and 11. The tubes 14 and 15 extend y through suitable openings in the member 12 .and are carried by amounting bracket 18 which y is secured to the member 12 as by a screw 19.

To produce the desired pressure differential t between the orifice members 14 and 15, the ends of these members are so constructed or positioned as to face different directions in the gas'stream. For example, the end ofthe lmember 14, indicated' at 8|, faces upstream, while the end of the member 15, indicated at 82, fades downstream. In order to prevent .the accumulationv of liquids in the system, asfrom moisture condensation,

the downstream side of the memberV 14 is preferably provided with a small opening 83 adjacent the wall 13 in order that liquids .may drain from the tube 14. n n

The member 14 is in fluid communication with the chamber 56. through a .conduit 84 which is attached to-a connection 85 carried by the ,casing member 53 Vand communicating with the chamber 56. A connection 86 is carried by the casing por- Ation 52 and communicates with the' chamber 55. Fluid communication between the connection 86 `and the member 15 is provided by a conduit 81. A pressure equalizing passage which also acts as a liquid drain is shown at 88 extending between' the members-14. and 15.

The pressure differential between the openings i., 16 and 11 produced by the gas stream is normally l0 sufficient to create an excess pressure in the chamber 56 forcing the diaphragm 54 to its full line position, against the action, ofthe spring 58. The deposition of ice over either one of the openings 16 or 11 will lower the uid pressure in the fluid pressure system communicating with the openings 16 and 11, to a-value at which the action ofthe spring 58 will move the diaphragm to its dot-dash position. During movement the pressure in the chambers 55 and 56 isequalized by the ow of'iiuid through the equalizing pas- -sage 88. If desired an opening 90? may be provided in the diaphragm 54'fr the same purpose. If such is the case the passage 88 may b e omitted, although both thepassage 88 and opening 90 may be employed. -When only the opening 96 is used the operation thereof is the same as the passage 9| in the inner end of the member 6|,

and movefthe pin so' that the outer end. thereof,

' of reduced diameter, as indicated at 92, engages the ball 61 and moves it from its seat 65. .This

opens the valve 63 and -provides uid communication,between the bore 64 and the atmosphere throughthe openings-1| and the space in the passage 66 around the outer end 92 of the pin 89.

` The opening of the valve 63may be used to `operate apparatus for the indication of thev presence of ice and/or for the removal of ice. example, a conduit 93 leading toa pressure source such as a vacuum line, may be connected to outlet connection 94 of valve 63 and provided with a T 95 by means of which a connection is made Ato -a pressure gauge 96 responsive to uid pressures in the conduit 93. When the valve 63 is closed,- the gauge gives a reading substantially equal to the pressure of the vacuum line. When the valve 63 is open, air is admitted to the conduit s3 throughthe openingi1| and the pressure in the conduit is changed, raised in this case, Iand the changed pressure is indicated by the gauge 96. In order to provide the largest possible pressure change in the conduit 93 at the position of the T 95, a valve may be provided at 91 to restrict the passage of` air through the valve to the vacuum line, so that air can enter the system through the valve 63 lfaster than it can be withdrawn through the e0 valve 91. l y

It should be obvious that the pressure-responsive device of,Fig. 2 which .is operable to make and break electrical contacts, may be substituted for the pressure-responsive device of Fig.3 which operates to open orclose a valve.

ti-on may be made by connecting -the outlet members 32 and 33 of Fig. 2.to the conduits 84 and 81 respectively of Fig. 3. Alternatively, the pressure-responsive device of Fig; 3 may be substituted for' the device in Fig. 2 by attaching the connections and `86 to the conduits 34'and 35 re-y spectively. y

t It will be notedthat each^of the ice-responsive apparatus comprises a fluid pressure fsystem For Such substitu- 'Fig 3.

when the opening in the associated orlce member is open, the orice itself permitting flow in the system. lStoppageof the orifice in an associated orice member by the depositing of ice thereover, prevents further flow through the Huid pressure system. In each example different pressure conditions exist in a portion of the fluid pressure system of which an orice member formsa part, when the orifice member is open and when itis closed.

In Fig. 1, one fluid pressure obtains at the- T 6 when there is ow throughthe conduit and orince 3, and another pressure obtains whengthe 'an internal combustion engine such as an airl plane engine upon the deposition of ice at any one of a number of positions within the' air induction system. The ai'induction conduit is iny conduit it will be described as used in connection with an injection carburetor, in which case the conduit will be provided with Venturi throats |04 and |05 and with a spray nozzle |06 for the injection of fuel. The function of the venturis |04 and |05 is to control the amount of fuel discharged from the nozzle |06 and need not be described herein. The conduit |0| `is further provided With a movable throttle valve such as a buttery valve |01 located between the venturis andthe spray nozzle; A plurality of pairs of orifice members indicatedat |08 and |09, IIII and III, and I|2 and I I3, are shown extending within the conduit Il. The orifice members of each pair may be constructed in substantially the and is greater than the pressure drop in the ref maining part of the uid pressure system between.

As the space in the fluid pressure system between the orifice and the diaphragm begins to approach the fluid pressure in the space on the other side of the diaphragm, the bias on the diaphragm causes movement thereof to its full line position. During such movement flow through the opening 2| continues although there is no flow through the orifice I2. When the diaphragm finally comes to rest at its full line position, ow through the opening 2| has ceased and a static condition is reached in which-the pressures throughout the system are substantially equal.

l In general the same conditions exist during operation of the form of the invention shown in In that form of my invention fluid ow between the orifices 'I6 and 11 is provided through the opening 90 'and/or the small tube 88. In this form of my invention the required operating pressure is supplied by the action of the gas stream on the orice members. the opening 90 and/ or the tube 88 is'greater than the pressure drop in the system on the other side of the opening 90 and/or the tube 88, whereby the diaphragm 54 is held against its bias when the orifices are open. Upon closing'of either of the orifices 16 or 11, these dynamic pressure conditions no longer obtain and pressure equalization on opposite sides of the diaphragm, diaphragm movement, and the attendant equalizing flow through the opening 90 and/or tube 88 takes 'I place. b

It is to be understood that the orifice members described herein are to be taken as illustrative rather than limitative. For example, they need not extend into the gas stream when the velocity The pressure drop across.

same manner as the orifice members 14 and 1-5 shown in Fig. 3. Each orice member has an opening therein exposed to the air stream in the conduit and is so shaped and so positioned with respect to theother orifice member of its pair as to form a fluid pressure system which maintains a pressure differential between` the openings as long as` both openings are substantiallyunobstructed. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of iiud pressure-responsive devices'SIa and 5 Ib and 5Ic, each of which may be the same as the one indicated at 5| in Fig. 3. kThe pressure-responsive devices are' each provided with a control valve indicated at 53a, 63h and 63e, respectively, which are adapted to remain closed as long as thel pressure differential is maintained between the orifice members of each pair and which is adapted to open when at least one orifice member of its associated pair `is closed by a deposit of ice. The respective pair of orifice members I 08 and |09, ||0 and KIII, and ||2 and |I3 are connected to the respective pressure-responsive devices 5Ia, 5|b and A5Ic by three pairs of conduits I08a and |09a, ||0a and IIIa, and ||2a and ||3a, respectively. v

It will be noted that the orifice members I I0 and III are located in the air induction conduit valve |01 within a bore I I4 extending part way through the butterfly valve from the face thereof.

` pressure side of the valve |01 in substantially the The butterfly is further provided with another bore IIE parallel to the face thereof and intersecting with the bore |I4. The assembly is also provided with a bore IIB intersecting with the bore I I5 and passing through a shaft I|1 upon which the butterfly is moved for throttle adjustment. The outer end of the bore I I5 is closed by a screw plugf'I |8`to prevent pressure loss in the system. The conduit ||0a is attached to the slllift |.I1 by a suitable connection indicated at The orice member III is mountedon the low same manner as the orifice member ||0 and is connected to the conduit IIIa through connecting bores I|5b and IIGb extending parallel to the face of the valve and through the shaft ||1 The member ||0 is shown mounted on the upstream face of the butterfly the throttle valve shaft butterfly valve |01 is shown4 thickened at |20;

- in communication with the bore IIBb. The conduits ||||a and |||a are sufiiciently iiexible so that the valve may be rotated to different positions by the. shaft I|1. An operating arm for is indicated at I|1a. The

and |2I|a in order to provide space' for the bores I5 and I |5b respectively.

The apparatus is further provided with means operable to introduce heat into the air induction conduit, such means being indicated diagrammatically at |2I.` As. one example, such heating means may comprise means for passing air in heat interchanging relation with the heated surfaces of the engine as through the cowling around -the outside of the cylinders or around members cylinder headthrough a fitting |48 since no positioning valve is required in this passage as will be apparent subsequently. l

The construction of the positioning valves |39a and-.ISBD may be generally the same, the valve l |39a. being illustrated in detail in Figs. 5 and 6.-

The valve |39a is shown as comprising a generally cylindrical body vI4| provided at its outer end with means for connecting it to the passage I38a such as reduced tubular` portion |42 and atthe other end with a head'member |43 adapted to threadedly engage the cylinder head |33. The

head member |43 is provided with a plurality of l terior of the body |4I.

carrying exhaust gases, and is provided with an air inlet conduit |2|a connected to a source. of air and with a hot air outlet conduit |22 communicating with th` main air induction conduit |I|| at a position upstream from the positions of the oriiice members |08 and |09. outlet conduit |22 is provided with a damper |23 which is mounted for pivotalmovement about a shaft |24 between a position in which the conduit |22 is substantially unobstructed as indicated in full lines and aposition substantially completely closing the conduit |22 as indicated at dot-dash lines at |23a. In this particular form of my in.` vention theY damper |23 also increasingly restricts the now of air through the mainl induction conduit from positions'upstream from the damper as the damper is moved from its -dotdash position to its full line position. An operating arm |25 secured to the damper shaft |24 is provided for moving the damper` to its different pos/itions. V

A control apparatus according to my invention,

The hot aircylinder |32. When all of the passages and |380 are closed, the bias provided by the comprising iiuid pressure motor means, is indicated generally at |3| and. is shown as comprism ing a pair of Wall means relatively movable with respectto one another and cooperating with one another to form an operating space. As one example, the. apparatus is shown as comprising a cylinder |32 having a head |33. andprovided with a piston |34 movablejtoward and away from the 'head and defining an operating space |35 of a size which may .be varied,l by relative movement of the 'piston and head. The piston isprovided with a suitable packing cup |34a held resiliently against the. cylinder Walls by means .of a spring expander ring |34b suitablyy retained on the piston. l

The cylinder head |33 is provided with a fitting |36 to which is connected a conduit |31 leading to a suitable lowpressure source such .as a vacuum pump or' vacuum line normally present on the airplane. During operation the conduit |31 continuously operates to removel air l from the space |35 to move the piston |34 toward the head |33. A plurality of vent passages |3811,

|3817, and |380 provide communication between the space |35 and the atmosphere. ',Ihe passages I38a, |38b, and |38c are respectivelyconnected to the control valves 63a; 53h, and 53C and communication to the atmosphere is provided lthrough the openings 1|a, 1lb, and 1|c when the respective control valves are open; The vent passages |38a and |38b are'connected to the operating space |35 through valves |39a vand |391; which may belcalled positioning valves and'which are carried on the cylinder head |33. The passage I38c-is connected directly to theA longitudinally extending passages |44` for providing communication between the operating space |35 and a valveseat |45 located on the inshown withinthe cylinder I4| and is adapted to sealingly engage the seat |45 to shut oii communication between the operating space and the vent passage |38a. The valve |46 is biased toward its closed position by a compression spring |41 which is guided inthe body member |4| by a spider |48 positioned between one end of the 'spring and the valve |46. The valve |46 is carried on a valve stemv I49a which extends through .the member |43 into the operating space |35 'and is guided for The valve |3811 is also provided with a valve stem indicated at |49b which is longer than the valve A.

stem |49a and extends further into -the operating space from the cylinder head |33 when both valves are closed as shown in Fig. 4.

The cylinder |32 is provided with suitable means such as a c pression spring I5 for biasing the piston |34 away from the head |33 or the |38a,|38b` through which air may iicw as the piston |34 is moved to different positions.

with the contreivaives 63a, sab, aliarse an closed, the piston |034 will move toward the head .endcf the cylinder until its movement is arrested by a stop member |54 engaging the head of the cylinder, the position of the inner face of the piston for such a condition bengindicated by the dot-dash line |55. When the piston is in the position indicated by the dot-dash line |55, positioning valves |39a and |3917 are opened, since the piston |34 engages the valve stems |49a and |49b on its inward movement and moves the stems longitudinally to move and hold their associated valves oifo their respective seats.. This action is illustrated in Fig. 4. Inthis connection it will be noted that the bodymembers |39a and |39b are suiiiciently long to accommodate for thev movementfof the valve stemsI therein.

' With the piston at the position of the dot-dash line |55 yopening of either of the valves 83a or 63h will causeinovement of the piston outwardly from the cylinder head |33 to a position closing either the valve |39a or the valve |39b. To insure this movement theconduit |31 is provided withl an adjustablevalve |56 to regulate the amount of air pumped from the space7 |35 so that this is alwaysless than can be introduced to the spac through any of the passages |38a, |38b. or |380 when any' of these passages are opened.

A poppet valve |46 is axial movement by the member |43.

. through the conduit |31.

For example, if the valve 63a opens, air flows f through thev passage |33a from the opening 1| a to the operating space |35. Since air is supplied to the space |35 at a higher rate than it can be withdrawn through the conduit |31, the spring operates to move the piston |34 away from the cylinder head |33. fThis movement continues until the inner face of the piston reaches a-position indicated by the dot-dash line |51 at which position the piston no longer` engages the valve stem |49a and the valve |46 rests on its seat. |45 closing the passage |38a. The piston |34 then oscillates back and forth across the line |51 between positions a. short distance from each side of the line |51. Each time the piston moves to the right of the line |51v the passage |38a closes and air is withdrawn through the conduit |31 at a high enough rate to move the piston to the Oleft toward the line |51. As the piston moves to the left past the line |51 it engages the valve stem |49a and opens the valve i39a opening the pas'- sage |38a and allowing air to enter the operating space at a higher rate than it can be withdrawn At this time the piston movement is reversed through the action of the spring 5| and it is `moved to the right toward the line |51. This action is continued as long as only the control valve 63a is open.

If control valve 53h is open or both control valves 63a and 63h are open, the piston will take a position as indicated bythe dot-dash line |58. The valve |39a is'open as long as the piston is between the positions indicated at |55 and |51. However, at all positions of the piston removed from the position indicated at |,51 in the direction from the position |51 toward the position |58, the valve |39a is closed and has no control over the positioning of the piston as long vas either of the passages |38b`or |330 is open.

When only the valve 33e is opened or when it is opened at the same time as any or all of the other valves are opened, the piston assumes the position shown in' full lines in Fig. a. This position is determined by a stop member |59 carried on a piston rod i5 I 4whichis secured to the piston and extends through the head |33 ofthe cylinder,

It should be obvious that the motor means I3| may be used to operate any desired means for supplying vheat or to operate any other desired form of de-icing or anti-icing means.J As one example, the piston rod |6| of the motor means is suitably connected to the operating arm of the damper |23 through an operating link'i62.

In its full line position thepiston |34 operates to hold the damper |23 in its full open position as indicated in full lines. by the dot-dash line at |55, the piston |34 operates to hold the damper i 23 in its fully closed position as indicated by dot-dash lines at |23a.

At the positions indicated by the dot-dash lines |51 and |58 the piston |34 moves the damper |23 to progressively open the warm air conduit |22 to introduce progressively greater amounts of heat to the main induction conduit NH.

When the system is in operation and no ice is deposited on the orifice /members in the air induction conduit, the piston |34 assumes the posin rtion indicated by the dot-dash line |155 and operates to close the warm air conduit |22 so that no heated air is introduced into the conduit IUI. If ice is deposited over either one of the o rice members |58 or |09, valve 53a is opened and the piston |34 moves to the position indicated by the dot-dash lines |51 to partially open the conduit |22 and introduce a small quantity of In the position indicated heated air into the induction conduit |0. If ice forms over either one of the orifice members Y or the piston |34 moves to the position of the dot-dash line |58 to move the damper |23 to a position introducing a larger quantity of heated air into the conduit 0|. The formation of icev over either onejof the orifice members ||2 or ||3 causes movement of the piston |34 to its full line position to move theldamper |23 to its full open position as indicated in full lines.

It has been assumed that suitable means has been provided for equalizing the pressure on the opposite sides of the diaphragms in the fluid pressure-responsive devices 5|a, 5|b and 5|c. For

example, the diaphragms maybe provided with a small opening therethrough such as the openingr '9D in Fig. 3. If desired the oriiice members in the respective pairs may be' connected by small bypass` tubes such as indicated at 88 in Fig. 3 for preventing the entrapment of liquid in the system. As pointed out previously such bypass'pas sages also function in the saine manner as the small opening provided in each diaphragm.

It will be noted that if ice forms over a plu;

rality of orifice members at the same time, the piston will move to a position to supply heat in accordance with the orifice member controlling the largest amount of heat. It has been assumed that the amount of heat required to combat icing will' increase progressively with the deposition of ice at positions spaced from one another in the direction of gas ow through the conduit lill.' 'That is, less heat will be required to remove ice at the positions of the orifice members |08 `and |09 than at the position of the orifice members H2 and H3. This' is not necessarily true in all installations and it is to be understood that the positioning of the orice members illustrated in Fig. 4 is to be taken as illustrative rather than limitative. v f

As pointed out previously, the choice of pressure of the fluid pressure sources 4 and I3' of Figs. l and 2 depends upon the range of pressures eX-' perienced at the orifices 3 and 2 respectively. Howevenit is generally preferable to choose a pressure for the pressure sources which vis lower than that experienced at the orifices lwhereby the now through the oriices is inward and there 1s less tendency to break down any deposit of ice formed over the orifices.

It should now be apparent that any stoppage occurring in the conduit 5 between the T 6 and (Fig. 3) will also be indicated siribe it will result in movement of the members |1 and 55 respec.-

tively of Figs. 2 and 3. The iluid bypass passages provided by the openings 2i and 30 establish communication between the associated conduits at position between the position of the stoppage and the movable members or diaphragxns` |1 and 55, and thusl cause the pressure in the conduits to become equalized in the event of such stoppage. In cases where no vopening is provided in the movable member or diaphragm, as by the omis-V sion of the opening in Fig. 3, the system is responsive to stoppages occurring between the bypass tube 88 and the orices 15 and 11. Obvl ously, the bypass tube 88 may be located nearer theA pressure responsive element 55 and farther from the orices, whereby the system is responsive to stoppage at a greater number of'positions along the conduits connecting the orifices with` the pressure responsive element. Y v

aasau'n Consequently, although I have described the inventionas applied particularly for the'detection, or .control of ice formationVit will be apparent lthat it is not limited to this particular` use, but may be used for other purposes in which it is desired to provide a member to be used for the purpose of indication or control and which is movable in response to a change in .the pressure differential between two conduits, at least one of which is subject to stoppage at a given position. A

Although I have shown only a iiat diaphragm as a movable pressure responsive member, "it

should be obvious that any `equivalent pressureresponsive means may 'be employed. For lexample, a. corrugated diaphragm orbellows or a movable piston may be employed. It should also be apparent that the casing enclosing the movable member need not be substantially rigid as shown.

but may be relatively flexible. For example, the casing may be formed as apair of bellows separated by a central Wall comprising the movable member.

My invention is obviously subject to 4considerable modiiication and hence I do not choose to be limited to the examples described and illustrated herein but rather to the scope of the appended claims. l

1. In an apparatus responsive to the dep`osi tion of ice on a member exposed to a moving gas stream, the combination which'comprises: a casing; a diaphragm dividing the casing into two chambers and movable between a rst position and a second position; means connected to said chambers, including `a member havingI an openf ing extending into the as stream and communicating with one of said chambers, for maintaining a pressure difference between saidvchambersvto hold said diaphragm in its first position;

means biasing said diaphragm toward. its second l chambers, including a memberhaving an opening extending into the gas stream and communicating with one of said chambers, lfor maintaining a pressure difference between said chambers to hold said diaphragm in its iirst position; and

means biasing said diaphragm toward itssecond.

position and operable to move said diaphragm to its second position upon the reduction of said pressure difference by the deposition of ice over4 said opening, said diaphragm having a-n opening therethrough for equalizing the pressure in said chambers when the. opening in said member is closed. i f

3. In an apparatus responsive to thedeposi tion of ice on a member exposed to a moving gas stream, the combination which comprises: a pair of members extending into the gas stream, each having an opening therein communicating with the gas stream, said members being so constructed and positioned that the movement of the gas stream produces a pressure differential between I 7 said openings; a diaphragm movablefbe'tween first and second positions; conduit means connecting said openings to respectively opposite sides of said diaphragm whereby said diaphragm g is held in said first position by the pressure differential between said openings; means biasing said diaphragmtoward Said second position and operable to move said diaphragm to said second position upon the .reduction of said pressure. dif- 10 ferential by the deposition'of ice over one of said openings; and means deiining a iiud bypass passage providing communicationbetween opposite sides of said diaphragm, whereby fluid pressures upon opposite sides of the diaphragm may equalize upon closing of one of said openings'.

4. In ari appalratus'responsiv/e to the-deposition of ice on a membenexposed to a moving gas i stream; the combination which comprises: a pair of members extending into the gas stream, each having an opening therein communicating with the gas stream, said members being 'so constructed and positioned that thel movementof the gas stream produces a pressure diierential between said openings; a diaphragm movable betweenl -rst and second positions; conduit means connecting said openings to respectively opposite sides ,of said diaphragm whereby said diaphragm is held in said first -position by the pressure differential between said'openings; and means biasing said diaphragm 'toward said second position and operable to move said diaphragm to said second position upon the reduction of said pressure differential vby the deposition of ice over one ofl said openings, said diaphragm having an opening 3'5 therethrough whereby iiuid pressures upon opposite sides of the diaphragm may equalize upon closing o'f one of said4 first-mentioned openings.

5. For use with an internal combustion engine having 'an air induction conduit provided with a `40 movable throttle Valve, an apparatus responsive to the deposition of ice-in-the conduit comprising: a pair of orice members mounted on the Valve and movable therewith, said' orice members each having an opening therein exposed to the gas stream in Vthe conduit andthe respective openings being locatedat vopposite sides of the valve, said members being so constructed and positioned that the movement of the gas stream produces,v a pressure diierentialbetween 'said openings; and means associated with said members and responsive to the change inpressur'e differential resulting from `deposition of ice over' one of said openings.

V6. In ya system wherein a gas pressure 'differential is normally maintained in a'pair of conduits at least one of which is subject to stoppagey 'l at a given position, the combination comprising: a casing, a diaphragm dividing the casing into two chambers and movable between a first posi-` tion and a second position, said conduits being connected to the chambers to maintain said dia.

phragm in its iirst position in response tothe pressure differential means biasing said diaphragm toward its second position; and means dening a iiuid bypass pas-A sage establishing communication betweenl they conduits `at a position between said given position and saidchambers, said passage equalizing the pressure in said chambers when a stoppage ocl curs. Y 7

at least one ofA which is subject to stoppage at a given position, the combination comprising: a casing; a diaphragnidividing the casing. into two In a syst-em wherein a gas pressure difierential isnormally maintained in a pair .of conduits',

between said conduits;

8 assessesI chambers and movable between a nrst position and a second position, said conduits being connected to the 4chambers to maintain said diaphragmin itsl first position in response to the pressure differential between said conduits; and means biasing said diaphragm toward its second position, said diaphragm having an opening therethrough for equalizing the pressure in said chambers when a stoppage occurs.I

8. For use with an internal combustion engine having an air induction conduit and having heating means operable to introduce heat into said conduit, the combination which comprises: a plurality of members each having an opening therein exposed to the flow of air through the induction conduit, said members being located at different positions in the conduit; a separate iiuid pressure systemin iiuid communication with each of said openings; a movable member in each of said uid'pressure systems and each responsive to the pressure condition in a portion of its associated iluid pressure system and each operable to one position in response to the pressure condition at said portion of its associated pressure system when its associated opening is open and each operable to a second position in re- A sponse to a change in the pressure condition at said portion of its associated pressure system when ice is deposited over its associated opening; and means associated with said movable members and controlling the heating means and operable to introduce a different amount of heatl into the conduit upon the movement of respectively diierent ones of said movable members to their second positions. and also operable. when a plurality of said movable members are moved to their second positions, to introduce an amount of heat corresponding to that introduced by that one of the members somoved which is operable to introduce the larger amount of heat.

9. For use with an internal combustion engine having an air induction conduit and having heating means operable to introduce heat into said conduit, the combination which comprises: a plurality oi\ members each having an opening therein exposed to the flow of air through the l induction conduit, said members being located at different positions in the conduit; a separate fluid pressure system in' fluid communication with each of said openings; a movable member in' each of said uid pressure systems and each responsive tothe pressure condition in a portion of its associated uid pressure system and each operable to one position in response to the pressure condition at said portion of its associated pressure system when its associated opening is open and each operable to `a second position in response to a change in the pressure condition at said portion of its associated pressure system' when ice is deposited over its associated opening; Yandl means associated with said movable members and controlling the heating means and operable to introduce heat into said conduit upon the movement of vany one of said movable members to its second position.

10. For use With an internal combustionengine having an air induction conduit and heating means operable to raise the temperature of the air in said conduit, thecombination which comprises: a plurality of fluid pressure responsive devices, each comprising a casing, a diaphragm dividing the casing into two chambers and movable between a first position and a second position,4 and means biasing the diaphragm toward its second position; a plurality of separate fluid pressure systems each associated' with one of said uid pressure responsive devices; a plurality of orifice members each located at a diiferent position in the conduit and each having an opening exposed to the gas stream in the conduit and in uid communication With a differentone of.

opening is open, said biasing means being operable to move said diaphragm to its second position upon the reduction of said pressure dif- `ference by the deposition of ice over the associated opening; and -means associated with said diaphragms and controlling the heating means and operable to introduce heat into the conduit upon the movement of any one of said diaphragms toits second position.

11. In an apparatus responsive to the deposition of ice on a member exposed to a moving gas stream, the combination which comprises: a member having an. opening therein communieating with the gas stream; a fluid pressure systemin iuid communication with said opening; a pressure responsive diaphragm in said fluid pressure system and movable to a rst position in response to pressure conditions obtained in said system when said-opening is open and movable to a second position in response to pressure conditions obtained in said system when ice is deposited over said opening; a valve controlled by said diaphragm, and operable between Open and closed positions upon movement of said dia,- phragm between its positions; and uid pressure motor means controlled by said valve.

12. In an apparatus responsive to the deposition of ice on a member exposed to'A a moving gas stream, the combination which comprises: a member having an opening therein exposed to the gas stream; a fluid pressure system in fluid communication with said opening; means responsive to thepressurel in a portion of said system and operable to one position in response to the pressure condition created at said portion of the system when said opening is open and to another position in response to a change in the pressure condition at said'portion of the system produced by the deposition of ice over said opening; means defining an operating space including opposing wall means relatively movable in response to air pressure change in the space;-

wall means iin said opposite direction to and through said one position from a position removed in said one direction from said one position; a control valve for opening and closing said passage upon movement of said movable means between its one position and its vother position respectively; a positioning valve located in said passage between said control valve and said space and also operable to open and close said passagey and biased toward closed position; and means associated with the positioning valve and controlled by the movement of said one wall means and operable to maintain the positioning valve movable open only when said one wall means is spaced in said one direction from said one position.

13. In a control system, the combination which comprises: means dening an operating space including opposing wall means relatively movable in response to air pressure change in the space; means continuously operable to remove air from the space and normally operable to move one of the wall means in one direction from one position; means defining a vent passage leading from the space and communicating withthe atmosphere; means biasing said one Wall means for movement in the opposite direction and operable when said vent passage is open to move said one Wall means in said opposite direction to and through said one position from a position removed in said one direction from saidone position; a oontrol'valve for opening and closing said passage; a positioning valve located in said passage between said control valvevand said space and also operable to open and close said passage and biased toward closed position; and means associated with the positioning valve and controlled by the movement of said one wall means member in an opposite direction, and means delining a restricted passage bypassing said chambers and tending constantly to equalize the uid pressure therebetween so that whensaid one or both of the conduits is obstructed the member is moved by said bias in said opposite direction.

15. A system as defined in claim 14, wherein the end of said one of said conduits away from said chamber communicates with a moving gas stream. y

LEWIS L. CUNNINGHAM. 

